Applications Now Open for 2026 Kirkland Workshops and Pitch Competition
For the third year in a row, the Kirkland Workshops and Pitch Competition is now accepting applications!
Build the knowledge and confidence you need to start or grow your business. This challenge offers an ideal setting for hands-on application of practical business tools and the ability to clearly communicate the value of your product or service and the benefits your business offers.
Basics of Business | February 10, 2026
Lean Canvas Business Plan and Market Research | February 17, 2026
The Business of Finances for Small Businesses | February 24, 2026
Marketing and More | March 3, 2026
Preparing to Pitch | March 10, 2026
Pitch Competition | March 24, 2026 | Open to the Public
These workshops provide potential, micro, and small businesses with the groundwork needed to be successful as they launch their businesses. Each workshop will stress the need for tangible achievements and intentional networking that will build the support needed to be successful as a small business owner.
Location: Kirkland City Hall | 123 5th Ave, Kirkland, WA 98033
Leverage this Holiday Season into More Success and Profit
How prepared are you to optimize the holiday-spending season, including Black Friday and Small Business Saturday? Learn how to promote your business, incentivize customers, and create an experience which inspires repeat buyers
Topics covered: Competition and differentiation, customer segmentation, price points, sales/promotions, capturing consumer data, staffing, inventory management, return and shipping policies, cost control and cash flow management Audience: established businesses
This workshop will happen in conjunction with Co-Working and Business Advising Day, listed below.
More information here. Registration requested but not required.
When: 2nd Wednesday of the Month, from 11 AM to 2 PM
Where: Kirkland City Hall
Who: All are welcome! We have a quiet space and an option for business advising
Join us for the entire time or pop in at the times that work best for you. Instead of working from your house, office, or local coffee shop, join us at City Hall!
Created specifically and exclusively for entrepreneurs, founders, and business owners in the beautiful city of Kirkland. Startup and Small Business Co-Working is designed to foster collaboration, inspire innovation, and provide valuable resources to help you thrive in your entrepreneurial journey along with fellow entrepreneurs, founders, and business owners.
Hosted by the City of Kirkland, Startup425, and OneEastside. Learn more here.
NextCycle Washington Circular Accelerator Program
NextCycle Washington is now accepting applications for the Circular Accelerator program! The free six-month accelerator supports projects that reduce waste, reuse or repair items, or utilize recycled content in new products. Selected teams will receive technical assistance, business and investment mentoring, and resources to help advance their projects. No cost to apply or participate.
Businesses, entrepreneurs, universities, non-profits, community-based organizations, and tribal governments are eligible to apply. Up to 16 projects will be selected for this year’s cohort.
Interested organizations are encouraged to attend the upcoming virtual information meeting on October 14 where they can ask questions and engage with program facilitators and alumni teams.
Deadline for applications is October 31, 2025. More information here.
From Passwords to Policies
Small Business Cybersecurity Essentials (In Bellevue)
11/13/2025 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (PST) 11/13/2025 9:00 AM (PST) No Fee
Keeping your business safe online doesn’t have to be confusing. In this workshop, you’ll learn the basics of one nationally recognized cybersecurity framework, the Cybersecurity Maturity Model. We’ll walk through simple best practices like using strong passwords and multi-factor authentication, keeping your Wi-Fi and devices secure, and knowing who has access to your equipment. You’ll also learn why having written policies and procedures is important, and how to protect your business from scams like phishing and fake emails. A speaker from Banner Bank will discuss how you can protect your money and secure your bank accounts.
Recycle waste, earn money, and support your community with E-Cycle Washington
E-Cycle Washington helps individuals, schools, and businesses recycle computers, monitors, and TVs for free. It’s an easy and eco-friendly way to clear out outdated electronic equipment.
Your business can become a public collection site.
This is a program that gives back—offering several benefits to participating businesses.
Kirkland Meetup for South Asian Women Entrepreneurs & Small Business Owners
This is a casual yet intentional networking group created for Indian women entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and small business owners—whether you’re just getting started or are already running a thriving venture.
While doing business in Kirkland, you may occasionally be impacted by construction projects. Keep up-to-date on projects as they are planned and happen by visiting the City of Kirkland's construction project webpage using this link.
As a licensed business located in Kirkland, you have been added to this special Kirkland Business/Nonprofit Resources list to receive communication about important business-related resources and information. This single-use email list is entirely optional and you may unsubscribe instantly by clicking on the unsubscribe link at the bottom of this email. All of our lists are governed by our Privacy Policy and email addresses on this list may become subject to public disclosure. If you have any questions or concerns about this list, please don't reply to this message. Instead please contact: Christian Switzer, Special Projects Coordinator, City of Kirkland at cswitzer@kirklandwa.gov
